IV Vitamin C Tips from a Riordan Clinic Patient

Author: Jenny Bradley, M.A.I.L., CNE

You have probably noticed we are big fans of IVC around this newsletter! I’ve been a Riordan Clinic patient since the early days of my breast cancer diagnosis, and it didn’t take long for me to become a fan of high dose vitamin C, too. I have been getting my doctor prescribed IVC regularly for several years and if punch cards were a thing, mine would be full many times over (ha!).

You might be wondering why I would still be here doing IVCs and getting various treatments after all these years. I see it as one of the ways I intentionally support my entire body. With over 100 different types of cancer, there is no one-size-fits-all cure. I understand that IVC is not a stand-alone cure for my cancer, but it is a well-studied complementary therapy that I’m grateful to be able to include in my longer term treatment. It supports my wellness at a cellular level and helps me thrive in the midst of my healing journey.

Perhaps the answer to “when will you be done with treatment?” depends on how you define treatment. Personally, I’m aiming for a healthy quality of life beyond just getting past one pesky spot!

In my research and experience, I’ve discovered that IVC may help with cancer cell issues, reduce discomfort, support cellular detox, decrease inflammation, act as a co-factor to skin building collagen, interfere with cancer’s metabolic processing, and enhance quality of life. Those are some of reasons I decided to get regular infusions.

If you are considering IVC then I’d like to offer a few helpful tips to have the best experience during your drip.

1. Hydrate before your appointment. It’s much easier to have the IV catheter inserted when you’ve had plenty of water.
2. Go to the restroom at the clinic right before you get seated for your IV.  It’s more comfortable to have an empty bladder than a full one during your infusion.
3. If you don’t have a port, or if you have “shy veins” consider asking for a heating pad and a little bit of time to warm up your arm before getting your IV started. The heat helps dilate your veins to make the poke easier.
4. Bring some filtered water or your favorite healthy beverage to drink during your infusion and on your way home. Ascorbic acid looks very similar to the glucose molecule and can cause some things like dry mouth during and directly after the IVC.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask the nurses for a blanket if you are chilly, or to change the speed of your drip based on how you are feeling. They are the pros who are trained to help you have a comfortable experience.